Extrusion puller equipment



Jan. 7,1964 K. 1 HARwooD ETAL 3,116,831

Ex'rRusIoN FULLER EQUIPMENT Filed Sept. 25, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Jan. 7, 1964 K- HARWOOD ETAP 3,116,831

` Ex'rRUsIoN PULLER EQUIPMENT Filed Sept. 23, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Arron/vais Jan. 7, 1964 K. 'L- HARWOOD -l-:TAL 3,116,831

v EXTRUSIQN FULLER4 EQUIPMENT Filed sept. 25, 195s# 5 sneaks-sheet :s

lll

QW MMM/o ATTORNEYS Jan. 7, 1964 Filed Sept. l 23, 1959 K. l.. HARwooD ETAL 3,116,831 ExTRUsIoN FULLER EQUIPMENT 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 las F ig, /2 /88 By mow ATTORNEYS l Ex'rRusIoN FULLER EQUIPMENT Filed sept. 23, 4195s: 5 sheets-sheet s l A. 3830 389G Fig. /7 Fig. /a

INVENTORS. BENJAMIN F. `SMITH KENNETH L. MARE/oop VARA/OLD E I @ALI-5 B wuz/AM F. Marsa/1w A fron/wf Ys United States Patent O 3,116,831 EXTRUSIDN PULLER EQUIPMENT Kenneth L. Harwood and Benjamin F. Smith, Grand Rapids, Mich., William F. Meredith, Youngstown,

Ohio, and Arnold F. Ingls, Grand Rapids, Mich., as-

signors to Light Metals Corporation, Grand Rapids,

Mich., a corporation of Michigan Filed Sept. 23, 1959, Ser. No. 841,720 11 Claims. (Cl. 207-1) This invention relates generally to material handling apparatus, and more particularly to the use of material handling apparatus with and as a part of metal extruding equipment.

This application is a continuation-in-part of copending application Serial No. 634,614 filed January 14, 1957, and entitled Extrusion Puller, now abandoned.

Metal extruding processes require having a billet of the metal heated to a plastic or semi-plastic state. The billet is then placed in a container which is located in a press and disposed immediately behind an extrusion die. A hydraulic ram is disposed behind the billet to provide a continuous force which causes the material of the billet to flow through the extrusion die and assume the crosssectional shape of the die opening. The extruded member, or members, are of a length dependent upon the size of the billet and the size and number of openings in the extrusion die. In those instances in which members of considerable length are formed, it is conventional to provide a run-out table that extends for a considerable length from the press. Such tables support the extrusions as they are being formed, and are intended to aiord free flow of the billet material as it passes through the openings of the extrusion die.

The material received through an extrusion die is in a pliable state and readily subject to deformation. Accordingly, it has long been a practice to provide workers to guide the material as it passes over the run-out table. The workers exert either no pulling force or a slight and steady force on the strip members as they are extruded and flow out over the run-out table. Their purpose is to prevent the extruded strip from buckling or touching other extruded strips and to direct the strips in a straight path. The highly pliable state of the extruded material causes the strips formed to also be subject to deformation due to stretching.

The plastic or pliable state of the extruded members, causing such care to be taken in running them out, has heretofore discouraged manufacturers from using mechanical handling means in place of the workers mentioned. However, the use of manual labor has its limitations also. When several extruded members of considerable length emerge from a single die, more than one or two workers may be required. Aside from the labor cost, the workers often get in each others way in attempting to allow their extrusions to flow naturally and in keeping them in a straight and free flowing path.

This invention is directed to the probl-em of receiving and directing different extruded members, as they are passed from a die, into mechanical means for carrying such members in independent yet coordinated relation over the length of the run-out table.

The material handling apparatus of this invention includes a plurality of overhead guide tracks extending between the extrusion'press and a tower located beyond the end of the run-out table. Each track guides a separate trolley or carriage member. Each trolley or carriage member includes a frame that supports work gripping means in diiterent positions to receive extruded work pieces as they are expelled from the extrusion press.

The work gripping means are a part of a system of extrusion guides arranged to receive and direct extruded 3,116,831 Patented Jan. 7, 1964 lvCe members from the extrusion die to the gripper means. The extrusion guides include a canister member vhaving passages corresponding in number and arrangement to the die holes through which the strips are extruded. The die receiving end of the canister is received with its passages aligned with the die openings. A funnel means including one or more funnel passages is disposed next adjacent to the other end of the canister. As is apparent from their name, the funnel passages are tapered. The larger ends of each of such passages cover the entire passage of one of the openings in the canisters. The work gripping means are disposed at the narrower ends of the funnel passages and in position to receive extruded work members passing therethrough. In one aspect of this invention the funnel means and gripping means may be integral; in another aspect they may be separate elements.

The alignment of the work gripping means to receive extruded work pieces from the extrusion press and through the extrusion guides forms a significant vpart of this invention.

The gripping means travel repeatedly away and towards the extrusion press. They travel independent of each other and have a fast return stroke. lYet they must be cooperatively aligned with the extrusion guides and relatively oriented at the extrusion press. To accomplish this a cooperative arrangement of traveling and stationary guides are employed. Each traveling unit includes a guide and guard arrangement to provide lateral spacing during the extruding operation land upon a return to the extrusion press. Stationary guides are disposed at the extrusion press and serve to properly orient the work gripping heads 4of the traveling units. In addition, in one aspect a retarder gate is employed to coordinate the return ofthe traveling units at the press.

The objectsof this invention include disclosing mechanical means of handling extruded work pieces during the metal extruding process.

Another object of this invention is to disclose a guidance system for directing extruded work members from the extrusion die to other mechanical handling apparatus.

Still another object of this invention is to disclose passage forming means which are a part of the extrusion guidance system and also of the ultimate mechanical handling apparatus.

Also among the objects of this invention is the disclosure of means of orienting the mechanical handling apparatus and extrusion guiding means for cooperative operation.

Further among the objects of this invention is the disclosure of traveling and stationary guide means with extrusion handling apparatus and their cooperative interrelation.

Still further among the objects of this invention is the disclosure of means of pre-arranging the traveling units of the extrusion handling apparatus prior to their return to the extrusionpress. y

These and other objects and advantages will be more apparent upon a reading of the following specificationl in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. l is a side plan view of the extrusion handling apparatus of this invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged top elevational plan view of the extrusion handling apparatus of FIG. l as seen from the section-line II-II thereof, and looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side plan view of the trolley or carriage and work receiving support means, of the extrusion handling apparatus, shown at the right in FIG. l.

FIG. 4 is a further enlarged cross sectional view of the trolley support means as seen from the section-line 3 IV-IV in FIG. 3 and looking in the direction of the arrows thereon.

FIG. 5 is a partial, perspective view of the platen of the press showing the relationship of canister and die.

FIG. 6 is an end cross sectional View taken through the bank of work handling devices of FIG. 3 along the line VI-VI thereof, and looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged end view of the work handling devices of FIG. 3 as seen from the extrusion gripper receiving side of such devices.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross sectional view showing the canoe shaped bumper guards and guides as seen from the section-line VIII-VIII of FIG. 3, looking in the direction of the arrows thereon.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the extrusion receiving end of a three unit extrusion handling means, as seen from the section-line IX-IX of FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the three unit extrusion handling means shown by FIG. 9.

FIG. 1.11 is an enlarged view of the extrusion receiving end of a four unit extrusion handling means, as seen from the section-line XI-XI of FIG. 12.

FIG. 12. is a side view of the four unit extrusion handling means shown by FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the extrusion receiving end of a two unit extrusion handling means, as seen from the section-line XIII-XIII of FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the two unit extrusion handling means shown by FIG. 13.

IFIG. 15 is an exploded view of the guidance system with stationary funnel means.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the guidance system as seen from the section-line XVI-XVI of FIG. 17 taken through the extrusion press.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged end view of the funnel portion of the guidance system taken along the section line XVII-XVII of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the extrusion guidance system as seen from the section-line XVIII-XVIII of FIG. 16.

Referring to the drawings in further detail:

In certain instances the same reference numeral is used to designate separate but identical parts, when there are several of these identical parts spaced closely together. This arrangement clarifies the drawings since it avoids crowding a multiplicty of unnecessary reference numerals into a small area.

The metal extruding apparatus includes a press 10 within which the actual extruding operation is performed. A run-out table is provided at the extrusion gripper receiving side of the press 10. An overhead track arrangement extends over the run-out table 20 between the press 10 and a tower 40 provided beyond the end of the run-out table. A plurality of extrusion handling devices generally 5t) are supported on the overhead track arrangement 30. The extrusion handling devices 50 are adapted to travel separately from the press 10 towards the tower 40 and, in so doing, to guide extrusions received from the press out over the run-out table 20.

The extrusion press 10 includes a housing 11 having a cylindrical passage formed therethrough to receive the billet 12 of material to be extruded as well as the press ram 13 which provides the extruding force. The housing 11 may receive the billet 12 in a pre-heated semiplastic state by any well known manner. Said housing includes heating means (not shown) to keep the billet in such a pliable state. A die `14, having a given number of die openings generally 15 (FIGS. l, 2 and 5) of a certain shape, is located within a support 16 immediately forward of the billet housing 1'1. The support 16 is usually movable relative to the billet housing 11 to enable the ready exchange of die forms having different extrusion forming openings.

A platen 17 is located forward of the die 14. This platen 17 includes a canister passage within which is disposed an elongated cylindrical member 18, referred to as a canister, which has a plurality of passages 19, 19a and 19b (FIG. 5) formed therethrough. The passages 19, 19m, and 19b correspond in number to the die openings 15 of a particular die member and are intended to receive and direct the extruded work pieces through the platen 17.

The run-out table 20 is disposed to receive extrusions passing from the canister 18. Accordingly, the height of the run-out table is substantially level with the lower edge of the canister passageways 18. The table includes a at platform like graphite surface 21 which extends for a considerable length from the press 10. It is desirable to have the run-out table sufficiently long to accommodate the extrusions from a single billet.

The overhead guide track arrangement 30 requires some form of overhead support. Such support may be derived from an overhead beam or hanger 31 depending from the building roof supports. The hangers 31 are provided at spaced intervals as necessary to maintain the guide track members 32 in substantially a horizontal position. A pair of parallel spaced bars 33 and 34 (FIG. 4), separated by threaded bolt and lock nut means 35 and 35a are secured to the hangers 3'1 and have the guide track brackets 36 secured thereto. The guide tracks 32 are received through the brackets 36 and are held engaged within the brackets by the head end of the bolt means 317 that secures the brackets to the bar 34.

The guide tracks 32 are of inverted channel shaped cross-section with inbent flanges at their open lower side. A plurality of the guide tracks 32 are secured to the overhead hangers in close parallel relation to afford distinctly separate tracks for diierent extrusion handling devices 50. The number of tracks 32 and devices 50 in use depends upon the number of work pieces that are to be extruded at the same time, as will be shown.

The drive means for the extrusion handling devices 50, as they travel on the guide tracks 32, includes separate drive motors mounted within the tower 40v (FIGS. 1 and 2). The drive motors 41, 41a, 41h, 41C and 41d each include a pulley 42, 42a, 42b, 42e and 42d respectively, which drives one of a plurality of axially aligned pulleys 43 upon which wire cables 44 travel. The cables 44 pass over idler pulleys 45 provided in a frame 46 on top of the press 10. The ends of each cable 44 are connected to opposite ends of one of the extrusion handling devices 50.

The extrusion handling devices 50 each include a carriage or trolley portion 60 (FIGS. 1 and 3) having a support frame 7) secured thereto. Work piece gripping mechanisms or gripper devices, such as designated by reference numerals `80, a and 80b are provided at the lower ends of selected ones of the support frames. With the three hold arrangement shown only three frames have gripper devices but it should be understood less or more than three gripper devices can be provided to provide one, two, four or five hole arrangements. A gripper resetting mechanism is provided within each of the support frames 70 and each frame also includes its own bumper guard and guide means 100, as will be described.

The carriage or trolley 60 of the extrusion handling devices 50 include an elongated bar 61 (FIGS. 3 and 4) having wheeled tracking members 62 mounted at each end thereof. The tracking members 62 are received within the guide tracks 32 and have their wheels disposed for rolling engagement with the inbent anges thereof.

The support frames 70 are secured to the trolley or carriage members 60 by means of mounting blocks 66. The mounting blocks, shown in more detail in my copending application Serial No. 841,716 entitled Puller for Extrusion Apparatus and filed September 23, 1959 now Patent No. 3,058,587 issued October 16, 1962, are

f a durable resilient material to alford relatively vibration-free and shock resistant support of the frames 70 on the carriers 60.

The support frames '70 comprise a horizontal support member '71 (FIG. 3), of tubular cross section for greater strength, having guide plates 72 (FIGS. 3 and 6l) secured on opposite sides and near one end thereof. A depending frame member 73 (FIGS. 3 and 6l) connects a lower disposed shield plate 74, 74a. or 74b to the guide plates 72. The lower plate 74, 74m or 74b in turn is braced by a diagonal brace 75 (FIG. 3) extending upwardly and secured to the forward end of the horizontal support member 71.

The gripper devices such as 80 are best described in our copending application S.N. 841,801, led September 2.3, 1959, and entitled Automatic Extrusion Gripper Assernf bly. `In brief, such devices include a U-shaped housing bracket 81 (FIGS. 3 and 7) disposed adjacent and in spaced relation tothe depending frame member 73. The housing brackets 81 have a guide roller 82 mounted at their upper end. The guide roller 82 rides on the gripper resetting device and is caused to rise and fall within a guide slot track provided by the guide plates 72 and another guide plate member '99 secured to the frame mem- .ber 71 next adjacent thereto. Within the housing brackets, generally 8'1, and extending therebelow, are spring loaded actuating rods 84, 84a land 84h. The actuating rods 84, '84a and 84b have clamping jaws 83, 83a, and 83b (FIG. 7) of the gripper mechanisms connected to their lower ends.

The Work piece receiving housings 85, 85a and 85h of the gripper mechanisms are mounted on the angle bracket plates 74, 74a and 7411 at the lowermost end of the support frame. A trigger door arrangement generally 86 is provided at one end of each of the work receiving members 85, 85a and 85b. When a Work piece is received within, for example, member 85, Iand engages the door 86, the spring loaded rod 84 is immediately triggered linto service. The rod motivates the clamping jalw 83 causing it to engage and hold the work piece within the receiving housing 85. A -drive motor switch actuating member, generally 87, is provided on the upper end of each of the jaw controlling rods 84, 840.', and 84h. Accordingly, when the rods `84, 84a and 84b Iare triggered into action the associated drive motor is activated and the extrusion handling devices 50` are immediately placed in operation.

Guide funnel parts 88, 88a and 88b are shown in combination with the work receiving housings 85, 85a, and 85h in the installation of FIGS. l-l4. Such ffunnel parts 88, 88a, and 88b serve to guide the extruded work pieces from the passages of the canister 18 into the different extrusion handling devices 50.

The canister and funnel member arrangement, with respect to the extrusion die and the Work grippers, form an important part of this invention.

FIGS. I9-14 show different forms of integral funnel and work gripper members. FIGS. -18 show separate funnel members used between the canister -18 and gripper devices.

In FIGS. 9-14, which show the funnel part formed as an integral part of the work receiving hofusing 85, FIGS. 9 and l0 show a three hole extrusion guidance system, FIGS. 10 and l1 show la tour hole arrangement, and FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a two hole arrangement.

In each of the embodiments of FIGS. 9-14 the `canister member 18 is shown to include an annular ring 18', 18a, vor 1812 about its outermost end. In each case, this ring includes guide pins 319, 3|19a, or 3119]; which are intended to cooperate, respectively, with the guide hole anges 41,19,l 41'9a, or 419b on each of the funnel parts. The guide pins or studs are tapered to better receive the guide hole anges as the gripper devices approach the canister d8.

In the three hole arrangement of FIGS. 9 and 10 (also shown in FIG. 7) three gripper devices 80; 80a, and 80h are provided. Gripper devices and 80b include -funnel parts 88 and 8i8b, respectively, and are substantially identical in shape with the exception that funnel part 88 is shaped to provide an opening 89 aligned With and abutting the lower 'left opening 19 of canister t18 (shown in phantom) 'and funnel part .88h is shaped to provide an opening 89b aligned with and abutting the lower right opening 19b of canister `18. In each of these funnel parts the funnel openings 89 and 89b are peaked at their canister ends to compliment the canister openings 19 and 19b, respectively. The peaked parts are gradually tapered into a smaller and square form at the outlet end leading to the work receiving housings and 85b in 'which the clamping jaw 83 and 83b are located.

The gripper device :80a has a funnel part 88a shaped to profvide an lopening 89a aligned with and abutting the top central opening 19a of the canister. This funnel part leads to a work receiving housing (not shown) in which the yU-shaped clamping jaw 83a is located. The jaws 83, 83a, and 83h are actuated by spring biased rods 84, 84a and 18-4b, respectively, which in turn are triggered by a trigger door arrangement, such as that designated by reference numeral 86.

In the four hole arrangement of FIGS. 1l and 12, four gripper -devices generally 180, 18tla, 180i), and 180C are provided. Each of these gripper devices include funnel parts 188, 18861, 1:8812, and 188e having funnel openings 189, 189`a, 189b, and 189C, respectively, aligned with and abutting to cover the canister openings 119, I119a, f119b, and 119e (shown in phantom). Each funnel part opening leads to a work receiving housing, such as 185 in FIG. 12, in which is located a clamping jaw 183, 183m, 183b, or 183C. Each clamping jaw is actuated by a spring biased rod '-1184, 18451, 18417, and 184e which in turn is triggered by a trigger door arrangement such as that designated by reference numeral 186.

lIn the two hole arrangement of FIGS. 13 and 14, two gripper devices 280 and 280a are provided. These devices each include a funnel part 288 or 288a, having funnel openings 289 and 289a, respectively, which completely enclose the canister openings 219 and 219a (shown in phantom) loading to the work receiving housings such as housing 285 in FIG. 14. Located in each work receiving housing are the clamping jaws 283 and 283er actuated by the rods 284 and 284:1 which in turn are controlled by a trigger door arrangement such as that designated by reference numeral 286.

The general arrangement required of the 'separate funnel means 388, and canister 18, is best shown by reference to FIGS. 15-18. 'Ilhe passages 19, 19a, and 19b of the canister 18 are shown to have their defini-ng edges Well overlapped with respect to the die openings 15. 'I'he funnel means 388 is in turn disposed to have the edges thereof, which define the inlet ends of the tapered funnel passages 389, 389a, and 389b well over-lapped with respect to the outlet ends of the canister passages. The funnel passages are tapered `or necked dow-n to smaller sized outlet openings about which the Work gripping means are received.

The alignment relationship of the canister openings 1'9, 19a and 19b with respect to the die yopenings 15, of the funn-el openings 389, 3819a and 38911 to the canister openings 19, 119er, and 19b of the work gripping means about the funnel openings 389, 389'a, and 389b assures the uninterrupted and guide passage of the extruded strip through these members and directly into the work receiving member.

In the separate funnel Vstructure 0i FIGS. 15-17, the funnel part 388 is formed of carbon blocks. The tapered form of the funnel passages 389, 389a and 389b is best shown by FIGS. lr6 and 18. These same iigures show the overlapping relationship of the passages 389, 38'9a, and 389i: with respect to the canister passages 19, 19a and 19h and also the position of modiiied work receiving t housings including housings 385, and 3851: in which the clamping jaws 383 and 383b are located.

The resetting mechanism 90 is more fully disclosed in our last mentioned copending application S.N. 841,801. In brief, such mechanism includes a pair of horizontally reciprocal rods 91 and 92 (FIG. 3) connected together in a manner that provides a cam shoulder 93 to raise the guide roller 82 within the guide slot track between plates 72 and 99. The rods 9.1 and 92 are supported at one end by a roller 94 mounted between the guide plates '72. The other end of the rod assembly -is supported within a guide hanger 95 provided on the support frame 70. The forward end of the rod assembly is formed and disposed to engage a stop 96 (FIG. 1) to affect a resetting of itself. The other end of the rod assembly is formed an-d disposed to engage a hanging stop 97 provided on the `overhead track 30 near the far end thereof. The stop 97 also supports a switch 98 which reverses the drive direction of the associated drive motor 41, 41a, `4115, 41C, or 41d when the rod guiding bracket 95 cornes in contact therewith.

The canoe shaped bumper guards and guiding members generally 100 (FIG. 8) are supported on the support frames 76 of the extrusion handling devices 50 by support members 73 and 75 (FIG. 8) between the carriage or trolley members 60 and the work receiving ends of the gripper mechanisms 80, 89a and 80b, and travel with the carriage members. Such guide members extend substantially the length of the frame member 71 and are disposed in fixed parallel spaced relation therebelow. The guard members include separate side members 101 and 102 having their ends converging together beyond the ends of the support frames 70. The guards 100 of each extrusion handling device 59 are in substantially coplanar relation to the guard of the next adjacent such device. Further, the added width afforded the devices 51), due to the guard plates 101 and 102 extending on each side thereaof, is complementary to the spacing of the guide tracks 32.

The length of the guards 100 enables them to serve as guides with respect to each other. If one of the extrusion handling devices lags or advances beyond the next adjacent such device, there is still considerable overlapping guide surface between them.

More important is the use of the canoe shaped members 100 in guiding each extrusion handling device Si) into its proper nested relation, relative to the press 1t), and in position to receive a Work piece from the extrusion die.

In receiving work from the press 10, it is important that the handling devices be properly oriented with respect to each other so that the work receiving housings are aligned with the passages 19, 19a and 19b of the canister 18 within the press. In relation to the apparatus of FIGS. l-l0, the guards 100 afford lateral spacing of the gripper devices 89, 80a, and 8G11 and their vertical disposition is set by their lengths. However, since each unit is a separate carrier, means must be provided to coordinate their nesting together at the press opening. This is accomplished by stationary guides 47 and guide members 47a extended out beyond the housing 46 on top of the extrusion press. The inner sides ofthe guides 47 converge together towards the press and guide members 47a and are disposed at the level of the canoe shaped bumper guards 100. Thus, the guards 180 of gripper devices 80, 80a and 80b are squeezed together and the pointed ends are nested into the V-shaped recesses of the guide member 47a as the extrusion handling devices 50 are directed together by the guides 47 as they approach the press.

Since the extrusion handling devices 50 travel at different and independent rates in drawing the extruded work pieces out over the work table 20, they would not normally be collected together on their return.

To coordinate the return of the handling devices 50, a retarder gate 110 is provided as shown by FIGS. 6 and 7. The retarder gate comprises a pin and a pivotal bar 111 mounted on one of the handling devices 5t) and adapted to assume either a non-interfering vertical position or an overlapping horizontal relation to the other handling devices. This is best shown by FIG. 6. Automatic or manual means may be used to dispose the bar 111 in a horizontal position at the start of, or at some determinative position during, its return travel. The handling device which includes the retarder gate is set to have a slower return rate than the other devices. Accordingly, the other devices will come into alignment with the slower device during the return travel and all will be aligned upon approaching the extrusion press 10.

Operation The electrical controls for this particular invention are not a part thereof so that no illustration or detailed explanation is considered necessary. However, for a cornplete description of such controls and their interrelation with other mechanism mentioned, reference should be made to copending application S.N. 841,800 tiled September 29, 1959 and entitled Method and Control Apparatus for Pulling Extrusions From Dies.

The number of work handling devices 50 to be used for an extrusion operation is dependent upon the die form 14 that is used. A separate work handling device is to be used for each opening in the die 14. Other handling devices are either coupled to one of the operative devices, with the gripper device removed, or they are left inoperable at the extreme end of the track.

The work handling devices 50 are mounted on the guide track arrangement 3) in the manner disclosed. The selected die 14 is mounted in the support 16. The proper canister 18 (three openings), 118 (four openings) or 218 (two openings), with the required passages for the selected die, is mounted in the platen 17 forward of the die. The press is thereafter placed in operation and the press ram acts against the end of the billet to cause the extrusion of metal through the die.

The work pieces or extruded strips are formed as they pass through the die openings 15 (3-hole die). They immediately enter the canister passages 19, 19a and 19h, which are larger than their respective die opening and thereby prevents the extruded work member from catching on any protrusion which would otherwise interfere with the free flow of metal in the extrusion process.

The extruded work members pass from the canister 18 into the respective passages 89, 89a or 39b (FIG. 9) of the funnel members 88, 88a and 8819 each, again, into a respective and separate passageway. The funnel passages, whether part of a separate funnel member 388 (FIG. 15) or one combined with the work receiving heads such as have their opened or ared ends disposed immediately next adjacent the outlet ends of the canister passages and in overlapping relation thereto. Accordingly, a free and unobstructed passageway is provided between the canister and funnel members, or member, for the passage of the extruded work pieces therebetween.

It will be appreciated that the shape of the canister passages generally have no effect on the transfer of an extruded work piece into the differently shaped funnel passages. The funnel passages, in each instance, suliciently overlap the canister passages to encompass the whole opening thereof.

The funnel passages such as 89 (FIG. 10), 289 (FIG. 14) and 389 (FIG. 16) are tapered towards their outlet side which leads to the work receiving heads 85, 285 and 385, respectively, located next adjacent thereto. The outlet ends of the funnel passages are undersize as respects the work receiving part of the gripper heads. Thus, again, interference with the free ow of the extruded work pieces is avoided. In FIGS. 10, 12 and 14 the work engaging clamping jaws 83, 183 and 283 are shown to be removed from the area of interference as respects the outlet ends of the funnel passages 89, 189 and 289. This holds true also where the receiving housing 385 and funnel member are separate, as shown by FIG. 16.

When an extruded piece engages the trap door 86, 186

9 or 286, the clamping mechanism is triggered into peration. As the actuating rods 84, 134 or 284 drop under spring pressure, the drive motor switch actuating member 87 (FIG. 3) signals the appropriate drive motor to commence operation.

The handling devices 50 travel at a moderate rate dictated by the flow of metal through the extrusion die 14. Only very slight pulling pressure is applied. During the run-out operation, over table 20, the shock mounts 66 (FIG. `4) afford substantially complete vibration and shock isolation between the work carrying or supporting frames 70 and the trolleys 60. The bumper guards 100 keep the handling devices 50 laterallyspaced.

As the handling devices 50 approach the end of their travel, the gripper resett-ing mechanism 01 engages the stop 97 (FIG. l) near the end of the track system 30'.

The interconnected rods v9'1 and 92 are stopped and the support frame 70 overruns the rods and the gripper devices, such as 80, `are released from engagement with the work and are reset for subsequent operation as hereinbefore described. The relationship between the stop v97, reset mechanism `90 and gripper devices `80j is such that when the carriage overruns the reset mechanism the work piece is disposed from the housing `8.5 and allowed to drop on to the table 2th The table-2()l is of suflicient length so that the extruded work piece is pulled from the outlet of the canister 18 several inches onto the table I20y before the gripper is released, and the work piece -allowed to drop onto the table. Continued travel of the work devices 50i causes the hanging support bracket '95 of the frame 70", at the forward end thereof, to engage the drive motor control switch 918. The switch 98 effects a reversal of the direc-tion of drive within the respective drive motors 41, 41a, 41h, 41C, and 41d so that the handling devices 5t) are readied for their return travel to the die 10.

After the extruded work pieces are removed from the work receiving housing S as described above, or by removal through an open side thereof (FIGS. 16 and 17), the handling devices 50 are ready to be returned to the press V1t). The return travel is much more rapid than the forward travel. However, as mentioned, one of the drive motors 41, 41a, 41b, 41C, or `41d is set to return its handling device 50 slower than the others. `It is lthis handling device which includes the retarder gate 110. The retarder gate 110, in itslhorizontal position, keeps all of the handling devices laterally aligned so that they approach the press '10 together. The bumper guards 100 again serve to maintain the proper relative lateral spacing of the handling devices. They also serve to prevent the gripper devices from weaving in and out land striking each other during their relatively rapid return stroke.

As the handling devices 50 approach the press iltl the reset mechanisms 90 are themselves set foroperation by engagement with the stops 96. The switch `actuators 87 for the drive motors 41, 41a, 41h, 41C, and 41d on the gripper jaw control rods 84, have been previously repositioned in resetting the gripper mechanisms 80. Accordingly, they are in position to inactivate the drive motors 41, 41a, 41b, 41e, and 41d when the handling devices 50 are back in their starting positions.

The different handling devices 50 are further assured of being properly positioned, upon their return, by the stationary guides 47 and guide members 47a. The convergent use of the outermost guards 100 of the handling devices cooperate with the ixed guides 47 and guide members 47a. The convergent use of the outermost guards 100 of the handling devices cooperate with the fixed guides 47 and subsequently with guide members 47a, to cause each of the handling devices to nest properly at the extrusion receiving end of press ready for another run.

In those instances in which extreme accuracy is desired as the gripper devices congregate at the press to receive extruded work members, the guide pins 319 and guide pin hole flanges 4119 are utilized. The annular ring 18 on the outlet end of the canister 18 is changeable to pro- 10 vide the proper number and arrangement of guide pins' 319. In turn each gripper device such as Sti includes a tab Vor projection such as 419 at its funnel end (when the two are in combination), having a pin receiving and guiding hole formed therein and disposed for cooperation with one of the guide pins 319.

As the gripper devices approach the end ofthe canister 11S, the tapered end of the pin 319 is relatively received and threaded into the guide pin hole of yits respective tab or projection 419. Thus, positive means of alignment is provided between the /work guiding points. Such means may be an alternate choice to the means of guides or may be supplementary thereto.

Having described this invention, it should be obvious that although I have shown and described a preferred form of this invention, alterations and modifications coming within its spirit are possible. As a result, this invention is only limited as specifically set `forth by the specic language of the appended claims.

We claim:

l. Extruding apparatus comprising a press having a die with a plurality of die openings arranged in a predetermined pattern; an elongated run-out table having one end next adjacent to and at the height of said die; overhead guide track means extending substantially the length of said run-out table; a plurality of extrusion gripper assemblies depending lfrom and supported at its upper end on said overhead track means, each gripper assembly having a separate clamping means at its lower end for gripping `an extrusion expelled from said die; said gripper assemblies being free for lateral swaying movement; drive means operatively connected to each of .said supports for moving the gripper assemblies individually and independently toward and away from the press; said clamping means being formed to be positioned and nested together adjacent said die in a group corresponding to the pattern of said die openings with each clamping means being aligned with a different opening of said extrusion die to receive and grip different extrusions as expelled therefrom; and a spacer bumper on each of said supports all located at the same level for laterally spacing said clamping means during their travel and establishing and maintaining said clamping means in positions corresponding to the patter of said die openings.

2. Apparatus -as claimed in claim 1 comprising funnel means associated with said gripper assemblies and providing a plurality of guide passages, each passage in said tunnel means being disposed between and `aligned with a die opening and a clamping means of a gripper assembly.

3. Apparatus as in claim 2 comprising -a oannister in said press having a plurality of passages aligned with said die openings and disposed between the die and funnel means characterized by said funnel means having openings on one side adjacent the canister conforming substantially to the shape of the canister passages and openings adjacent said clamping means conforming substantially to the shape of the area within said `clamping means.

`4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 characterized by said spacer bumpers being located at the same level between the `overhead guide track means and the clamping means and provided to contact each other and prevent the gripper assembly from striking one another.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 characterized by the bumpers being elongated in a direction along said run-out table and being tapered `at each end.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising guide elements adjacent said press, said guide elements being positioned to receive the bumpers for collectively gathering the bumpers together in predetermined positions for positively positioning said gripper assembles in the proper position corresponding to the pattern of said die openings.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 in which one o f said extrusion gripper assemblies has a slower return speed to said preSS.; and a retarder member provided on said one extrusion gripper assembly and extending in the path of 1 l the return travel of said other gripper assembles for grouping all of said gripper assembles together prior to their arrival between said guide elements.

8. Extruding apparatus comprising an extrusion press having a plurality of outlet openings of predetermined shapes and sizes from which extrusions are emitted; an elongated horizontal run-out table located adjacent said press at said outlet openings, track means extending above. and substantially the length of said run-out table; a plurality of independently power driven supports mounted at their upper ends on said track means yfor reciprocatiort away from and toward said extrusion die; said support depending downwardly from said track and being free for laterally swaying movement; extrusion gripper means mounted on the lower end of each of said supports and receivable adjacent said press, said gripper means having a plurality of openings each of a predetermined size and shape and each horizontally aligned ywith one of the outlet openings of said press; and guide funnel means disposed between the press outlet openings and said gripper means l for directing extrusion therebetween; said guide funnel means having funnel inlet openings corresponding in size and shape with the outlet openings of said press and funnel outlet openings corresponding in size and shape with inlet openings of said gripper means and an enclosed passageway connecting the same; land spacer bumpers mounted on each of said supports between their upper and lower ends, all at the same level for laterally spacing said gripper means during their travel and accurately positioning thesame at the press.

9. Extruding apparatus comprising an extrusion press having a plurality of loutlet openings of predetermined shapes and sizes from which extrusions are emitted; an elongated horizontal run-out table located adjacent said press at said outlet openings, track means extending above and substantially the length of said run-out table; a plurality of independently power driven supports mounted at their upper ends `on said track means for reciprocation away from and toward said extrusion die; said supports depending downwardly from said track and being free for lateral swaying movement; extrusion gripper means mounted on the lower end of each of said supports and receivable adjacent said press, said gripper means having a plurality of openings each of a predetermined size and shape and each horizontally aligned with one of the outlet openings of said press; and guide funnel means disposed between the press outlet openings and said gripper means for directing extrusion therebetween; said guide funnel means having funnel inlet openings corresponding in size and shape with the outlet openings of said press and funnel outlet openings coresponding in size and shape with inlet openings of said gripper means and an enclosed passageway connecting the same; spacer bumpers mounted -on each of said supports between their upper and lower lends, all at the same level for laterally spacing said gripper means during their travel and accurately positioning lthe same at the press; and stationary guide members lofcated at said press for receiving said bumper members :and collectively grouping the gripper means in the proper extrusion receiving positions.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which one of said extrusion gripper assemblies has a slower return speed to said press; and a retarder member provided on said one extrusion gripper assembly and extending in the path of the return travel of said other grippers for group- Ving all of said gripper assemblies together prior to their .arrival at said press.

11. Extruding apparatus comprising a press having a -die with a plurality of die openings arranged in a predetermined pattern; an elongated run-out table having one end next yadjacent to and at the height of said die; overhead guide track means extending substantially the length of said run-out table; a plurality of extrusion gripper assemblies depending from and supported at its upper end on said overhead track means, each gripper assembly having a separate clamping means at its lower end for gripping an extrusion expelled from said die; said gripper assemblies being free for lateral swaying movement; drive means operatively connected to each of said supports for moving the gripper assemblies individually and independently toward and away from the press; said clamping means being formed to be positioned and nested together adjacent said die in a group corresponding to the pattern of said die openings with each yclamping means being aligned with a different opening of said extrusion die to receive and grip different extrusions as expelled therefrom; a positioning element on each of said supports; guide means located adjacent said press; said positioning elements and guide means cooperating to laterally position said clamping means in positions corresponding to the pattern of said die openings.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 504,591 Kees Sept. 5, 1893 898,262 Renken Sept. 8, 1908 956,157 Parmley Apr. 26, 1910 1,849,044 Summey Mar. 8, 1932 1,940,354 Kerr Dec. 19, 1933 2,753,588 Grosh July 10, 1956 2,865,502 Anscher Dec. 23, 1958 2,893,552 Davies July 7, 1959 2,914,170 Kent Nov. 24, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 878,626 Germany lune 5, 1953 

1. EXTRUDING APPARATUS COMPRISING A PRESS HAVING A DIE WITH A PLURALITY OF DIE OPENINGS ARRANGED IN A PREDETERMINED PATTERN; AN ELONGATED RUN-OUT TABLE HAVING ONE END NEXT ADJACENT TO AND AT THE HEIGHT OF SAID DIE; OVERHEAD GUIDE TRACK MEANS EXTENDING SUBSTANTIALLY THE LENGTH OF SAID RUN-OUT TABLE; A PLURALITY OF EXTRUSION GRIPPER ASSEMBLIES DEPENDING FROM AND SUPPORTED AT ITS UPPER END ON SAID OVERHEAD TRACK MEANS, EACH GRIPPER ASSEMBLY HAVING A SEPARATE CLAMPING MEANS AT ITS LOWER END FOR GRIPPING AN EXTRUSION EXPELLED FROM SAID DIE; SAID GRIPPER ASSEMBLIES BEING FREE FOR LATERAL SWAYING MOVEMENT; DRIVE MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO EACH OF SAID SUPPORTS FOR MOVING THE GRIPPER ASSEMBLIES INDIVIDUALLY AND INDEPEND- 